Kick off mealtime with these fun green recipes that skip the food dye but still pack a punch of color. Perfect for anyone cautious about artificial additives but still wanting to keep meals exciting, especially for kids. These naturally vibrant dishes are a hit for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you want to add a little magic to the menu.
Green Pancakes
Kick off St. Patrick’s Day with these spinach pancakes. They’re easy to whip up, enjoyable for both kids and adults, and naturally green, making them a fun, festive choice without any artificial colors.
Get the Recipe: Green Pancakes
Arugula Pesto
Give your pesto a peppery update with arugula, blended with garlic, walnuts, and parmesan. This green sauce is great for sprucing up your St. Patrick’s Day spread, from pasta to veggies.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Pesto
Cold Avocado Soup
For a refreshing touch to your St. Patrick’s Day, this cold avocado soup blends creamy textures with a hint of guacamole and gazpacho vibes. It’s a light and refreshing starter or meal.
Get the Recipe: Cold Avocado Soup
Penne with Pesto
This dish combines penne with a flavorful lamb and mint pesto, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for adding a bit of green to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Pesto
Healthy Shamrock Shake
Enjoy a homemade version of the classic Shamrock Shake this St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe is a healthier alternative that still captures the spirit of the holiday with its green hue and refreshing taste.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Shamrock Shake
Radish Greens Pesto
Don’t toss those radish greens! Turn them into a pesto that’s perfect for pasta, as a sauce, or a spread. It adds a creative green twist to your St. Patrick’s Day dishes.
Get the Recipe: Radish Greens Pesto
Matcha Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Dive into the creamy goodness of matcha mint ice cream with chocolate chunks. Made with coconut milk, it’s a decadent treat that brings a pop of green to your dessert table for St. Patrick’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
These matcha shortbread cookies with a chocolate drizzle are the perfect snack. Buttery and crisp, they’re ideal for pairing with your favorite beverage on St. Patrick’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Blueberry Avocado Pancakes
Start your morning with these avocado pancakes, loaded with blueberries. Topped with a poached egg, they strike the perfect balance for a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Avocado Pancakes
Chicken Saag
This chicken saag recipe brings you close to restaurant-quality spinach and chicken curry. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty, green-themed meal for St. Patrick’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag
Matcha Bread
Enjoy this moist and aromatic bread flavored with matcha. It’s a great addition to your St. Patrick’s Day menu, offering a subtle green hue and the benefits of green tea.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Bread
Apricot Green Smoothie
This smoothie blends roasted apricots with a healthy green boost. It’s a refreshing way to start St. Patrick’s Day, keeping things light and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Green Smoothie
Spirulina Smoothie
Packed with nutrients, this smoothie is a great way to enjoy spirulina. With tropical flavors from mango and banana, it’s a deliciously green way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Spirulina Smoothie
Green Oatmeal
Sneak some veggies into your breakfast with this green oatmeal. Made with spinach, it’s a healthy start to St. Patrick’s Day, and you won’t even taste the greens!
Get the Recipe: Green Oatmeal
Leek Apple Cheddar Soup
This leek, apple, and cheddar soup is a creamy and sweet option, topped with walnuts and cranberries. It’s a comforting choice for St. Patrick’s Day, bringing a subtle green touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Leek Apple Cheddar Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.